Here's How Prachi Kaushik Is Ending Period Stigma And Empowering Millions

Forget hushed whispers and hidden packages. Prachi Kaushik is here to shout about periods, loud and proud. This firebrand social entrepreneur isn't afraid to tackle the deeply ingrained stigma surrounding menstruation in India. Through her social enterprise, Vyomini, Prachi isn't just raising awareness, she's building a revolution that empowers women, dismantles taboos, and provides economic opportunities, all while ensuring access to safe and sustainable sanitary products. Prachi's recent win as the Woman Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the HZ Womenpreneur Awards 2024 is just the beginning. We spoke to her about her successful journey, and it's clear that Prachi's mission is about to leave a lasting impact on millions of lives.

"It feels great," Prachi beams, reflecting on her recent award. "I'm truly grateful to the jury and the entire Her Zindagi team for recognising unsung warriors and supporting women-led organisations like Vyomini."

From Hardship To Purpose

Prachi's story is deeply rooted in her own background. "My Gurudev inspired me to do so," she explains."He always said that humans have enough potential to change the world, but a corrupt mindset creates imbalance and causes trouble in society." These words resonated deeply, shaping Prachi's determination to fight against the social and economic inequalities she witnessed growing up in a low-income family.

While Prachi holds a Master's degree in Political Science and Human Rights, she emphasises the importance of practical experience."My education is in humanity, which helps me understand the ground dynamics," she says  "This is crucial for identifying the challenges and needs of communities." She believes that true entrepreneurial spirit doesn't necessarily come from a specific degree, but rather from a combination of experience and an innate drive to make a difference.

"There's no specific degree to become an entrepreneur," Prachi continues."You either learn from experience, or you're born with an enterprising mindset. In my case, I was born with it, and I've scaled it up with experience." As a first-generation entrepreneur who defied societal norms to pursue her vision, Prachi embodies the very spirit of self-reliance and determination she seeks to cultivate in others.

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Breaking The Taboo

Vyomini's mission is built on a fundamental belief, empowering women entrepreneurs unlocks the potential of entire communities.  "I realized that women's health and economic empowerment were two major issues hindering overall development," Prachi explains. Vyomini's innovative approach tackles these challenges head-on. They not only conduct comprehensive menstrual health awareness workshops but also create sustainable business opportunities.

Prachi spearheaded the development of "Rakshak," a biodegradable sanitary napkin manufactured by women trained and employed by Vyomini. This not only provides a much-needed source of income for these women but also tackles environmental concerns associated with traditional disposable products.

Building A Network

Prachi's vision extends beyond Vyomini's immediate reach. "Our future plan is to set up incubation centers in each district by 2030," she reveals.These centers will foster local entrepreneurship and create a network of empowered women leaders across India.

Prachi's unwavering passion and dedication are a beacon of hope, not just for the millions she has already impacted, but for countless others who will benefit from her vision in the years to come. "The monumental need to empower women at the grassroots, perceived as vulnerable, into changemakers, especially in the most vulnerable and climate-affected areas that's what drives my work," she concludes.

Vyomini's Impact By The Numbers

• Over 10,000 grassroots women are empowered through health awareness and entry into the manufacturing sector.
• Conducted over 15,000 menstrual health awareness workshops in rural and urban communities.
• Reached over 2 million women with access to sanitary products. Established 10 training and capacity-building centers for women entrepreneurs.

Prachi Kaushik's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of women-led development. By tackling period stigma, fostering economic opportunities, and building a network of empowered changemakers, she is building a brighter future for millions of women across India.

Image Courtesy: Vyomini

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